Special Assistant, Political Affairs
Organizational Context
This position is within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), based in Kabul. The Special Assistant, Political Affairs reports to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Political Affairs. Kabul is designated as an "E" hardship and non-family duty station, indicating challenging living conditions.
Job Purpose
The Special Assistant to the DSRSG Political provides essential substantive and practical support to the DSRSG, ensuring they are kept informed of critical matters and mission leadership updates. The role involves analyzing emerging political issues and trends that could impact UNAMA's mandate and operations, formulating policy recommendations, and monitoring their implementation. A key function is assisting the DSRSG in coordinating and preparing various written communications, including briefing notes and official correspondence. The Special Assistant also cultivates relationships with internal and external stakeholders, manages the DSRSG's engagements, and supports the development and execution of integrated approaches to complex political challenges and mediation initiatives. Furthermore, the role contributes to the mission's work plan formulation and implementation, utilizing data analysis for informed decision-making and reporting.
Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive substantive and practical support to the DSRSG Political, ensuring timely awareness of key issues and mission leadership updates. Analyze and monitor political developments, emerging issues, and trends affecting the mission's mandate, operations, and management, proposing policy strategies and measures for advancement. Coordinate and prepare diverse written materials, including briefing notes, official cables, and memoranda, and oversee their implementation. Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with UNAMA components, the UN Country Team, donors, and national/international partners on policy, management, and operational matters. Organize and manage the substantive aspects of the DSRSG's meetings, field visits, and events, including preparing summaries and follow-up actions. Support the development and implementation of integrated approaches to complex political challenges and mediation initiatives. Assist in formulating and managing the mission's work program, including planning and budgetary processes. Utilize data analysis and visualization methods to identify trends, provide insights, and support data-driven decision-making and reporting.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or a related field is required. This includes extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting. Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is mandatory, as is at least four years of experience as a Special Assistant or similar role supporting a senior public official. Experience supporting senior leadership in developing integrated approaches to complex political challenges and mediation support is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Teamwork, Political analysis, Policy formulation, Stakeholder engagement, Communication (written and verbal), Data analysis and visualization, Mediation support.